Criminal Defense Lawyer in King George County, Virginia
Virginia Criminal Law in King George County
Virginia criminal law is codified in Title 18.2 of the Virginia Code. Common charges in King George County include assault and battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57), petit larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96), and driving on a suspended license (§ 46.2-301). These offenses are prosecuted by the King George County Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at the King George County General District Court located at 10446 Government Center Blvd, Ste 105.
Last verified: March 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia criminal statutes, refer to the Virginia Code Title 18.2 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court information, forms, and procedures for King George County are available on the King George County General District Court website.
King George County Court Process
Your case will begin at the King George County General District Court for misdemeanor trials or felony preliminary hearings. Felony jury trials move to King George County Circuit Court. You have an absolute right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense carrying potential jail time.
- Arraignment: You will appear before a judge to hear the formal charges and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Bond Hearing: If you were arrested, a magistrate sets bond. Personal recognizance is common for first-offense misdemeanors.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews evidence, files pre-trial motions, and negotiates with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- Trial or Disposition: Your case proceeds to a bench trial in General District Court or, if you demand it, a jury trial in Circuit Court.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes sentence based on Virginia sentencing guidelines and statutory limits.
- Appeal: You can appeal a General District Court conviction to the King George County Circuit Court for a new trial.
Penalties for Criminal Charges in King George County
In King George County, criminal charges carry penalties ranging from fines to years in prison, with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine under Va. Code § 18.2-11.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault & Battery (Va. Code § 18.2-57) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Protective order possible |
| Petit Larceny under $1,000 (§ 18.2-96) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record affects employment |
| Driving on Suspended (§ 46.2-301) | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Additional suspension | Mandatory minimum jail for subsequent offenses |
| Grand Larceny $1,000+ (§ 18.2-95) | Class 6 Felony | 1-5 years (or up to 12 months) | Up to $2,500 | None | Felony record; loss of civil rights |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are statutory maximums; actual outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, your criminal history, and the discretion of the judge.
Bond amount is set by a magistrate at arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges approximately 10%, is more likely for felonies. Court-appointed attorney fees range from $120 for a misdemeanor to $445 or more for a felony, based on income eligibility.
Our Experience in King George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our attorneys bring over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. We have a documented record of results in King George County courts. Our approach is case-specific, built on a deep understanding of local procedures and prosecutor strategies.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results in King George County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented criminal defense results in King George County, with 3 cases dismissed or resulting in not guilty verdicts. This represents a 75% favorable outcome rate for our clients in this jurisdiction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near King George County
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the King George County courts. We are accessible via Route 3, Route 301, and Route 206. We provide representation for residents of King George, Dahlgren, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Fairfax Location — 4008 Williamsburg Court, Fairfax, VA 22032
Phone: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a misdemeanor in King George County, Virginia?
A Class 1 misdemeanor in King George County carries up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Common charges include assault and battery, petit larceny under $1,000, and driving on a suspended license.
Can criminal charges be expunged in King George County, Virginia?
Yes, under Va. Code § 19.2-392.2, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, and cases where the prosecutor enters a nolle prosequi. Most convictions cannot be expunged. The petition is filed in King George County Circuit Court.
How does bail work in King George County, Virginia?
A magistrate sets bond after arrest. Personal recognizance (no payment) is common for first-offense misdemeanors. A secured bond, typically requiring a bail bondsman who charges about 10%, is more likely for felonies. Bond decisions can be appealed to the King George County General District Court.
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in King George County, Virginia?
Yes. Charges are prosecuted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and heard at King George County General District Court. Even misdemeanors carry jail time and create a permanent record. Our firm has 4 documented results in the county, with 3 dismissed or not guilty.
What is the difference between GDC and Circuit Court in King George County?
King George County General District Court (GDC) handles misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. King George County Circuit Court handles felony jury trials and appeals from GDC. You have a right to a jury trial in Circuit Court for any offense with potential jail time.
Related Legal Services
For more information, see our Virginia criminal defense lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Fairfax County and Prince William County. If you need assistance with related matters in King George County, consider our DUI/DWI defense lawyer or family law attorney. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.